Chapter 374: Winter’s Embrace (I)
Three Months Later
Ivan stepped into the cobblestoned path, his foot leaving imprints in the pristine snow. In the heart of the royal estate, Ivan stood before the marble statue of his late cousin, Alistair, and he had taken a free time from his schedule to come and see the finishing touches Tobias wouldn’t stop telling him about.
The chains his cousin always wore were not crafted into the statue, and that was to symbolize his freedom in the afterlife. He was surprised that Alistair’s father would agree to the building of the statue, since the statue built here was specifically for great kings who have ruled and passed on their responsibilities to their kin.
Alistair’s crafted scythe bore a delicate cap of snow, and those eyes of his remained frozen with determination. It was the perfect image of his cousin, for it embodied his playfulness and an unarguable bravery.
Ivan’s blue eyes softened as he traced the chiseled features of the statue, recollecting the good times, and he knew whatever happened, it happened for the best. His cloak billowed behind him, and he adjusted the silver circlet around his raven hair. An unconscious motion he did in order to get his emotions together.
"Rest well, Alistair." He murmured, and as if in response, the snowflakes swirled, creating a gentle halo atop Alistair’s head.
"He would be proud of you." came a sweet gentle voice behind him–a familiar voice that made him smile without even realizing it. He immediately turned around to see his wife approaching, her rounded belly cradled protectively. Her golden hair peeked out from beneath a fur-lined hood, and her cheeks glowed with the promise of new life.
His wife, his heart— she has never looked more beautiful.
Samantha came to stand beside him, and she slipped her gloved hands into his, peering at his human-like face. His blue eyes glistened with warmth from the depth of his stylishly round glasses, and he seemed to be getting more and more handsome by the day.